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Paula Abdul Says Meghan Markle’s Anniversary Tribute Left Her in Tears: ‘This Is Awesome’

Paula Abdul was left emotional after Meghan Markle’s anniversary post with Prince Harry featured one unexpected throwback.

Meghan Markle’s anniversary post with Prince Harry turned into a seriously emotional moment for singer Paula Abdul when the Duchess of Sussex used her iconic hit, Forever Your Girl, on her Instagram page, leaving Abdul in “tears” for the unexpected revival.

The 63-year-old told PEOPLE at the American Music Awards at Las Vegas' MGM Grand, “I always say I never take anything in my career for granted, and the amount of pinch-me moments and tears that from my eyes, it still exists every day.” She continued, “And it started from the movie People We Meet on Vacation, and then everyone started doing TikToks.”

However, when asked about how she felt when Markle used her song while celebrating her 8th wedding anniversary, the pop icon admitted the moment got to her emotionally. She added, "I pinched myself and I was like, 'This is awesome.' Well, it's like I said, you never know. Little gems and moments can come in and just bless your life."

Abdul also shared Markle’s post to her own Instagram Stories and captioned it with, "So sweet to hear 'Forever Your Girl' over these beautiful memories," the singer wrote. "Wishing you both continued love, laughter, and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP." Long before Markle gave it a royal revival, the song was already a pop phenomenon. Released as a single in 1989 from Abdul’s debut album, the track came with a David Fincher-directed music video featuring a young Elijah Wood. The album proved massive too, with Abdul becoming the first female artist to land four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits from her debut record.

On May 19, 2026, the ex-Suits actress marked her anniversary by sharing never-before-seen photos from her 2018 wedding to the prince. The Instagram carousel doubled as a sweet walk down memory lane, filled with intimate moments from the royal wedding and candid behind-the-scenes snaps fans rarely get to see. "Eight years ago today…☀️," Markle wrote alongside the post, while also giving photographer Chris Allerton a shoutout for the beautiful images.

The celebration didn't stop at the ceremony. Markle also shared glimpses of the after-party, giving royal fans exactly what they wanted: a look at the couple dancing the night away, completely carefree and packed with PDA. And the anniversary festivities didn't end on Instagram—she and Harry wrapped up their special day celebrating with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The family enjoyed lemon and elderflower cake, the same flavor made famous by their royal wedding cake. Harry also surprised Markle with a bronze sculpture of two penguins. The gift carried special meaning, as bronze symbolizes strength for their eighth wedding anniversary, while the penguins were a sweet reminder of a memory the couple shares.